How to Write Cease to Communicate Letters

Consumers can become overwhelmed by debt collection letters and calls.

People who are being harassed by creditors can stop the telephone calls and letters by writing a cease communication letter. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act allows consumers who are harassed at home or work by creditors to stop all collection calls and letters. After a creditor receives a written notice to cease communication, the creditor can only communicate that it will stop or that it has filed a lawsuit.

Instructions

1. Open a new document in the word processor on your computer. Type your name and address at the top center of the page. Type the date on the left margin.

2. Enter one blank return and type the name and address of the creditor. Type "RE:" followed by one space and the account number or name of the account for which you want all communications to cease. Press "enter" two times.

3. Type the salutation, "Dear Sir/Madam" as appropriate. Ask the creditor to cease all communication regarding the debt identified by the account number or account name. Inform the creditor that The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, 15 U.S.C. section 1692 requires creditors to honor the request.

4. Close the letter with "Sincerely" or "Regards." Press "enter" four times and type your full name. Print the letter and sign it in blue or black ink above your printed name. Make a copy of your completed, signed letter.

Tips & Warnings

• Include your return address in the upper left corner of the envelope. At the post office, complete the green "Certified Mail, Return Receipt Requested" form with your address and the address of the creditor.

• Request a signature by the creditor upon receipt of the letter on the "Certified Mail" form. Attach your payment receipt from the post office to the copy of the letter. Attach the copy of the "Certified Mail" form to your copy of the letter when you receive the signed return receipt.

• Consider other remedies like re-negotiating a loan or debt settlement.

• Consult an attorney before sending cease communication letters. Creditors are left with few options except to file a lawsuit for the debt after a consumer sends a cease communication letter.

• Consult an attorney if a debt collector makes threats to file criminal charges, take your property or threatens legal action.

References

• Federal Trade Commission (FTC); Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), 15 U.S.C. sections 1692 to 692p; Revised 2009
• Law Office of D. L. Drain; How to Handle Harassing Creditors and Collection Companies; Diane L. Drain, Attorney at Law; April 18, 2011

Resources

• Cornell Law School Legal Information Institute: Communication in Connection with Debt Collection